Statement

ACC Nanotechnology Panel Statement Regarding EPA New Rules on Nanotubes

ARLINGTON, VA (June 24, 2009) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today commented on the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) significant new rules (SNUR) on multi-walled carbon nanotubes and single-walled carbon nanotubes.  

ACC Nanotechnology Panel Manager, William Gulledge issued the following statement:

“The American Chemistry Council (ACC) supports the decision announced today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling for enhanced regulations on nanotubes.  The agency’s move to designate any new manufacture or import of certain nanotubes as “significant new use,” under Section 5 (a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) allows EPA to regulate nanotubes under TSCA.  The directive will require employees to wear protective face and body equipment while working with nanotubes.  This is a reasonable approach while governmental authorities collect additional information on potential health and environmental impacts related to carbon nanotubes.

“Today’s action by EPA demonstrates that the agency can take appropriate action to protect health and the environment and is consistent with ACC’s call for further improvement and modernization of the U.S. chemical regulatory system.  For our part, the chemical industry will continue to provide robust information in a transparent manner on chemicals it produces and to help EPA assess the safety of all chemicals in production.”

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